NEW CITY, NY - - Rockland County Executive Ed Day and County Health Commissioner Dr. Patricia Schnabel Ruppert remind residents to change your clocks when Daylight Saving Time begins on Sunday, March 11th, and take time to check your emergency supply kit. Is it missing any items? Is anything out-of-date, leaking, or damaged?

"As we are experiencing now after the two storms that just hit our area, help will be on the scene, but they can't reach everyone right away. You could get help within hours, or it might take days. Basic services such as electricity, gas, water, sewage treatment, and telephones may be cut off. It's very important to be prepared for emergencies because they can happen with little or no warning," said Dr. Ruppert.

If you haven't created an emergency supply kit yet, now is the time to do it! Have at least a three-day supply of food and water stored in your home, with at least one gallon of water per person per day. Choose foods that are ready to eat such as peanut butter and canned meats, fruits, and vegetables. Remember your pets too! They need their own food and water. Your emergency supply kit should also contain flashlights, a hand-operated can opener, a radio, batteries, and copies of important documents. Depending on your family's needs, you may also need other supplies.

Stock up on canned vegetables or batteries when there is a sale. Share "bulk" items with a friend, co-worker or neighbor, who can serve as your "preparedness buddy." Once your emergency supply kit is complete, don't be tempted to "borrow" from it the next time you run out of batteries or need beans for a recipe. Remember: your emergency supply kit is for emergencies!

Of course, you don't have to wait for the clock-change to make or update your emergency supply kit. Also, don't forget to change the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms when you change your clocks. At the same time, make sure the alarms are in good working order and that they are not expired. Replace all smoke alarms when they are ten years old or if they don't respond when tested. To find out how old a smoke alarm is: the date of manufacture is located on the back of the alarm; the alarm should be replaced 10 years from that date. For carbon monoxide alarms, always check the manufacturer's instructions and expiration date. The Health Department's Healthy Neighborhood Program can assist low to moderate income residents and seniors, at no charge, with battery changes and alarm replacements, as supplies last. For more information call (845) 364 - 3290.